Exterior Home Inspection Checklist

As discussed in part one of the complete list of items to inspect the home inspection is a very valuable service, but there is an inherent conflict of interest because many companies inspect, recommend and then did the cure. Use a home inspection company with a good reputation, word of mouth is best.

Landscaping:
Landscaping is an important part of the curb appeal of any property. It also can be an expensive and time consuming part of the upkeep of the property. Consider:

Trees:
Are they close to the house_____
Roots too close to plumbing_____
Branches too close to roof line_____
Old or leaning trees nearby_____

Plants:

High maintenance plants/bushes_____
High water use necessary_____
Use of indiginious plants_____
Planting too close to exterior walls trapping water_____
Ivy growing on exterior walls_____

Grading:

Soil piled up against exterior walls causing pest damage_____
Grade slopping towards house trapping water_____

Swimming Pool:

Cleaning and filtering system work_____
Thermostat accurate_____
Check for leaks or cracks_____

Roofing:

The cost of a new roof is expensive and a good inspection will save you money. If the roof looks old or if there are more than two layers, then pay special attention to old leaks and bulges in the interior and exterior walls.

Material_____
Age of the roof_____
Shingles need replacing_____
Tar paper exposed to sun_____
Gutters clean_____ sagging_____
Roof line sagging_____any bulges_____
Number of layers of roof_____
Chimney properly sealed to the roof_____
Any sagging_____Bracing_____

Propane Tanks:

Age_____
Size_____
Indication of leaks nearby_____
Is the area marked for safety_____

Sewer:

Location of the line known_____
Any indication of leaks_____
Good water pressure in the bathroom_____

Building Exterior:

Age of last paint job_____
Crackling_____Peeling_____
Exposed wood_____
Dry or rotting wood trim_____
Stucco: Stucco develops hairline cracks and then begins to open up, allowing moisture into the framing of the house

Hairline cracks_____
Open or damaged stucco exposed_____
recent patches_____
Shingles: Shingles provide good protection but do have a shelf life
Age of shingles_____
Cracked shingles_____
Missing shingles_____

Doors and Windows:

Pay special attention to the trim areas and the framing for dry or rotting wood. This can indicate much more damage to the structure.

Doors:
Are they secure_____
Door frame showing signs of dry rot_____
Door fits flush_____
Door at an angle and settling_____

Windows:

Are they secure_____
Window frame showing signs of dry rot_____
Windows fits flush_____
Windows at an angle and settling_____
Screens_____
Sticking_____

Foundation:

Mud sill securely fastened_____
House securely bolted to foundation_____
Cracks or breaks_____
Any misalignment or settling_____
Soil contacting framing_____
Brick:
Age_____
Missing Bricks_____
Soft or crumbling bricks_____

Cement:

Age_____
Soft or crumbling cement_____

Fences:

All posts counted for_____
Sagging_____
Rotting_____

Garage:
Roof(see above list)_____
Exterior(see above list)_____
Firewall between the house and the garage_____
Pooling of oil or other fire hazards_____
Garage door working_____
Check electrical components of the door for age and wear_____

Driveway:
All the questions regarding framing and roof apply
Age_____
Driveway buckling_____
Potholes_____
Driveway graded not to pool water_____
Well lit_____
Blind spots into traffic_____